Helpful Facts

Facts

Name	The Republic of Lebanon
Area	10.452 square km
Population	estimated 4,4 million
People	Arabs, Palestinians, Kurds, Armenians
Official language	Arabic; English and French widespread
Religion	Islam, Christianity
Time	GMT+2

Visa
Foreigners need a valid passport for at least six months and a visa to enter Lebanon. Visas can be obtained in advance at Lebanese embassies and consulates. Nationals of many countries can also obtain business or tourist visas upon arrival at the Beirut Airport and at other ports of entry on the Lebanese border. A 48 hours visa is free of charge. We recommend to contact the embassy or consulate in your country, also visa issues may have changed.
Note: Travelers holding passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel are likely to be refused entry into Lebanon.

Climate
Lebanon has different types of climate, a mild Mediterranean one along the coast and a cooler one in the mountains. In summer temperatures along the coast ranging from 20-32°C, in the mountains 6-22°C. Best travel times are in spring and autumn.

Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Lebanon. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended; also make sure tetanus-diphtheria vaccinations are up-to-date. It is better to drink bottled water, do not take ice in your drinks, and eat only cooked food and fruits that you can peel. The medical services in Lebanon are well developed and most doctors speak English or French. We advise to check the current health information before your travel.

Currency
Currency unit: Lebanese Pound or Lira (LL)
Notes: 1000, 5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, 100.000 lira.
Coins: 50, 100, 250, 500 lira.

Business Hours
Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 6:00pm
Banks: Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm
Government: 8:00am to 2:00pm

Customs
Though Lebanon is a more relaxed Muslim country, women should dress modest in public. When entering a mosque or church, women have to cover their hairs, arms and legs and men should wear long trousers.